Nancy Churchill shares how Batya Ungar-Sargon lays out the argument for being a MAGA leftist
Nancy Churchill
Dangerous Rhetoric
For years, the political establishment has insisted that the Left and the MAGA movement are irreconcilable forces. This is a lie. In a recent fascinating interview with Bill Mahar, Batya Ungar-Sargon explained that Trump’s policies align with traditional Democratic economic and anti-war views. Ungar-Sargon explains that she has never been a Republican; that she’s a leftist — but she’s a MAGA leftist!
Ungar-Sargon, the deputy opinion editor of Newsweek, argued President Trump’s agenda and policies are closer to traditional leftist values than the policies of the progressive-globalist elites now controlling the Democratic Party. She’s concluded if leftists truly care about socially moderate policies, the end to the “forever wars”, and working-class empowerment, they have every reason to align with the MAGA movement.
Trump: The Anti-War President
Trump was the first president in decades not to start a new war. He opposed the forever wars that have drained America’s resources and sent working-class soldiers to die for elite interests. His administration prioritized diplomacy over military adventurism—historic peace agreements in the Middle East, de-escalation with North Korea, and a resistance to the military-industrial complex’s endless thirst for conflict. Meanwhile, the modern left, which once stood against war, now cheers for endless foreign intervention under the guise of “democracy-building.”
Socially Moderate, Not Extremist
Contrary to the media’s hysteria, Trump is not a hardline social conservative. His record proves he is a moderate. He was the first Republican president to enter office openly supporting gay marriage and appointed figures like Richard Grenell, the first openly gay cabinet member, and Scott Bessant at the Treasury.
On abortion, Trump holds a centrist stance, supporting legal access up to 12 weeks, a position more moderate and more mainstream than the Democratic Party’s push for abortion until birth. While the progressive leftists radicalize toward extremism, MAGA’s social policies reflect the broad middle ground where most Americans stand.
The Champion of American Workers
Free trade, once the sacred dogma of both parties, has devastated the working class, shipping jobs overseas and leaving rust-belt towns in ruin. Trump, unlike globalist progressive politicians, prioritized American manufacturing. His tariffs and protectionist policies aimed to reinvigorate industries crippled by NAFTA and China’s exploitation of free trade loopholes. In his current administration he’s already focused on rebuilding the shipbuilding, lumber, mining, and steel industries.
Under Trump’s leadership, the working class saw wage growth, reduced illegal competition, and an economic policy focused on their prosperity, not Wall Street’s. The modern Left, beholden to corporate donors, has abandoned the working class in favor of neoliberal globalism.
The Reality of Illegal Immigration
Despite the media’s narrative, uncontrolled illegal immigration harms the working class the most. It creates downward wage pressure, burdens public services, and allows corporations to exploit cheap labor at the expense of American workers.
Trump fought for border security not out of xenophobia, but to protect jobs and wages for American citizens, particularly in minority communities. The Democratic Party, once the champion of labor, now serves the interests of globalists by promoting policies that flood the market with low-wage labor. Ungar-Sargon explained this brilliantly in a subsequent clip, noting the shift in GDP from the 70’s to today which was caused by free trade and illegal immigration.
The Left’s Opportunity
If leftists genuinely care about working people, ending wars, and resisting elite rule, they should abandon their blind loyalty to a radical and progressive Democratic Party that now serves the World Economic Forum, Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and the war machine.
Trump’s policies prove that MAGA is a movement for the people, not the elites. The choice is clear: Cling to a progressive left that has sold out, or embrace a populist revolution that actually delivers for the working class.
Washington State’s Moderate Left should also Shift Right
Washington State’s leftists also face a pivotal decision: Continue supporting a Democratic leadership that has overseen the growth of homelessness, crime, and drug abuse, as well as rising taxes — or align with Republicans who advocate for pragmatic, common-sense solutions to these pressing issues.
Escalating Homelessness Crisis
Since Governor Jay Inslee’s 2015 emergency declaration on homelessness, King County has witnessed a staggering 63.3% increase in homelessness. The county’s “Housing for Health” program, which involves purchasing former hotels for supportive housing, has cost taxpayers over $333,000 per unit, raising serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and effectiveness.
Rising Crime and Drug Abuse
The surge in homelessness has been accompanied by increased crime and drug abuse. Notably, shootings related to homeless encampments in Seattle rose by 122% between 2020 and 2021, highlighting the urgent need for policies that address both public safety and the well-being of vulnerable populations.
Tax Increases Amid Fiscal Shortfalls
Despite implementing 22 new taxes over the past decade, Washington State faces a projected $16 billion budget shortfall. Washington state Democrats are working to pass more massive tax increases this session, from property tax increases, to new payroll taxes to B&O tax increases on businesses large and small. Dangerous Rhetoric covered a list of the worst tax proposals in detail in Taxapalooza!
Republican Proposals: A Commonsense Alternative
Washington state Republicans offer alternative solutions that prioritize accountability and fiscal prudence:
For Homelessness: Republicans are advocating for comprehensive strategies that address addiction and mental health issues, rather than solely focusing on housing. For Public Safety: Republicans are proposing commonsense measures to prevent crime, hold offenders accountable, and support law enforcement, aiming to restore safety in communities. On Taxation: Republicans are calling for targeted tax relief to alleviate the financial burden on working-class families, including exemptions for child care essentials and on-the-go meals.
See the pattern? Like Trump, Washington’s Republican legislators want to increase public safety, reduce taxation, and support the working class and small businesses in our state. They also want to help our families fight the tragedy of drug addiction, untreated mental health, and end the narcotics trade.
A Call to Action for Washington’s Leftists
For leftists committed to social equity, economic justice, and effective governance, supporting Republican initiatives in Washington State represents a commonsense shift towards policies that address the root causes of societal challenges. Ask yourself, “Which Political Party Has Made Your Life Worse?”
By embracing solutions that prioritize accountability, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of all citizens, a coalition can be formed to tackle the pressing issues of homelessness, crime, drug abuse, and reducing taxes. This alignment transcends traditional partisan divides, focusing instead on common sense approaches that serve the greater good. It’s time for leftists to proudly become MAGA-Leftists.
Nancy Churchill is a writer and educator in rural eastern Washington State, and the chair of the Ferry County Republican Party. She may be reached at DangerousRhetoric@pm.me. The opinions expressed in Dangerous Rhetoric are her own. Dangerous Rhetoric is available on Substack and Rumble.
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